Bhubaneswar, Nov 30 (IANS): Two policemen have been killed in a gun battle with Maoists in Odisha's Nuapada district, an official said Saturday.

The gun battle took place when the rebels ambushed a team of policemen Friday in Sunabeda sanctuary area, about 550 km from state capital Bhubaneswar.

The policemen, who were returning home after routine patrol, retaliated.

"A district voluntary force personnel and a special police officer were killed," Inspector General of Police (Operation) Soumendra Priyadarshi told IANS.

The Sunabeda sanctuary is located close to the Chhattisgarh border. Maoists have allegedly created a base inside the deep forest for the past several years.

The forces often face difficulties in operations as they need to trek seven to eight km to reach the interior areas.

The latest Maoist attack comes less than a week after a large number of tribals of the area held a meeting and announced to help police and wage war against left-wing extremists in the region.

Maoists are active in more than half of Odisha's 30 districts. Sunabeda is considered one of their strongholds.